Ultrasonic mist inhaler

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an ultrasonic mist inhaler, comprising:a liquid reservoir structure comprising a liquid chamber adapted to receive liquid to be atomized,the liquid chamber comprising a top surface representing the maximum level of the liquid chamber and the bottom surface representing the minimum level of the liquid chamber,a sonication chamber in fluid communication with the liquid chamber,the sonication chamber comprising means of ultrasonic vibrations and a capillary element extending between the sonication chamber and the liquid chamber,wherein the means of ultrasonic vibrations and the liquid chamber are arranged according to one of the following configurations:the means of ultrasonic vibrations are disposed close to or at the bottom surface of the liquid chamber,the means of ultrasonic vibrations are disposed close to or at the top surface of the liquid chamber as depicted in FIG. 3.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The invention relates to an ultrasonic mist inhaler for atomizing aliquid by ultrasonic vibrations.

BACKGROUND

Electronic vaporizing inhalers are becoming popular among smokers whoalso want to avoid the tar and other harsh chemicals associated withtraditional cigarettes and who wish to satisfy the craving for nicotine.Electronic vaporizing inhalers may contain liquid nicotine, which istypically a mixture of nicotine oil, a solvent, water, and sometimesflavoring. When the user draws, or inhales, on the electronic vaporizinginhaler, the liquid nicotine is drawn into a vaporizer where it isheated into a vapor. As the user draws on the electronic vaporizinginhaler, the vapor containing the nicotine is inhaled. Such electronicvaporizing inhalers may have medical purpose.

Electronic vaporizing inhalers and other vapor inhalers typically havesimilar designs. Most electronic vaporizing inhalers feature a liquidnicotine reservoir with an interior membrane, such as a capillaryelement, typically cotton, that holds the liquid nicotine so as toprevent leaking from the reservoir. Nevertheless, these cigarettes arestill prone to leaking because there is no obstacle to prevent theliquid from flowing out of the membrane and into the mouthpiece. Aleaking electronic vaporizing inhaler is problematic for severalreasons. As a first disadvantage, the liquid can leak into theelectronic components, which can cause serious damage to the device. Asa second disadvantage, the liquid can leak into the electronicvaporizing inhaler mouthpiece, and the user may inhale the unvaporizedliquid.

Electronic vaporizing inhalers are also known for providing inconsistentdoses between draws. The aforementioned leaking is one cause ofinconsistent doses because the membrane may be oversaturated orundersaturated near the vaporizer. If the membrane is oversaturated,then the user may experience a stronger than desired dose of vapor, andif the membrane is undersaturated, then the user may experience a weakerthan desired dose of vapor. Additionally, small changes in the strengthof the user's draw may provide stronger or weaker doses. Inconsistentdosing, along with leaking, can lead to faster consumption of the vapingliquid.

Additionally, conventional electronic vaporizing inhalers tend to relyon inducing high temperatures of a metal heating component configured toheat a liquid in the e-cigarette, thus vaporizing the liquid that can bebreathed in. Problems with conventional electronic vaporizing inhalersmay include the possibility of burning metal and subsequent breathing inof the metal along with the burnt liquid. In addition, some may notprefer the burnt smell caused by the heated liquid.

Electronic vaporizing inhalers are generally designed so that the liquidnicotine reservoir is arranged away from the metal heating component toprevent heating the unused liquid in the reservoir. This arrangementmakes the inhaler device cumbersome and more complex to produce.

In the electronic vaporizing inhalers, the vapor chamber is generallydistant from the liquid reservoir and the mouthpiece to prevent heatingthe liquid or the vapor before the user drawn.

Thus, a need exists in the art for an electronic vaporizing inhaler thatis better able to withstand these disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, an ultrasonic mist inhaler,comprises:

a liquid reservoir structure comprising a liquid chamber adapted toreceive liquid to be atomized,

the liquid chamber comprising a top surface representing the maximumlevel of the liquid chamber and the bottom surface representing theminimum level of the liquid chamber,

a sonication chamber in fluid communication with the liquid chamber,

the sonication chamber comprising means of ultrasonic vibrations and acapillary element extending between the sonication chamber and theliquid chamber,

wherein the means of ultrasonic vibrations and the liquid chamber arearranged according to one of the following configurations:

-   -   the means of ultrasonic vibrations are disposed close to or at        the bottom surface of the liquid chamber,    -   the means of ultrasonic vibrations are disposed close to or at        the top surface of the liquid chamber.

The arrangement of the means of ultrasonic vibrations disposed close toor at the bottom surface of the liquid chamber renders the fluid passageto the means of ultrasonic vibrations by gravity faster.

The arrangement of the means of ultrasonic vibrations disposed close toor at the top surface of the liquid chamber renders the mist passage toa mouthpiece shorter.

The expression “means of ultrasonic vibrations” is similar to theexpression “ultrasonic oscillation component” used in the patentapplication PCT/IB2019/055192.

In the ultrasonic mist inhaler, in the arrangement close to or at thetop surface, the means of ultrasonic vibrations may have at least anatomization surface parallel to the top surface.

In the ultrasonic mist inhaler, in the arrangement close to or at thetop surface, the means of ultrasonic vibrations may have at least anatomization surface perpendicular to the top surface.

The atomization surface perpendicular to the top surface permits smallerthickness of the inhaler.

In the configuration of the atomization surface perpendicular to the topsurface, the inhaler may comprise one of the following features takenalone or in combination:

-   -   the liquid reservoir structure may comprise an inner container        and an outer container wherein the inner container is surrounded        by the outer container, the inner container forms the liquid        reservoir,    -   the capillary element is wrapped around the means of ultrasonic        vibrations,    -   the means of ultrasonic vibrations is supported by an elastic        member,    -   the elastic member is formed from an annular plate-shaped        rubber,    -   the elastic member has an inner hole wherein a groove is        designed for maintaining the means of ultrasonic vibrations,    -   the inner container has an opening into which the elastic member        is introduced at least partly, the elastic member having a        radial groove wherein the capillary element passes and        penetrates the liquid chamber,    -   the elastic member is inserted into the opening of the inner        container by tight adjustment.

It is noted that the expression “mist” used in the invention means theliquid is not heated as usually in traditional inhalers known from theprior art. In fact, traditional inhalers use heating elements to heatthe liquid above its boiling temperature to produce a vapor, which isdifferent from a mist.

In fact, when sonicating liquids at high intensities, the sound wavesthat propagate into the liquid media result in alternating high-pressure(compression) and low-pressure (rarefaction) cycles, at different ratesdepending on the frequency. During the low-pressure cycle,high-intensity ultrasonic waves create small vacuum bubbles or voids inthe liquid. When the bubbles attain a volume at which they can no longerabsorb energy, they collapse violently during a high-pressure cycle.This phenomenon is termed cavitation. During the implosion very highpressures are reached locally. At cavitation, broken capillary waves aregenerated, and tiny droplets break the surface tension of the liquid andare quickly released into the air, taking mist form.

The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to the invention, wherein saidliquid to be received in the liquid chamber comprises 57-70% (w/w)vegetable glycerin and 30-43% (w/w) propylene glycol, said propyleneglycol including nicotine and flavorings.

An ultrasonic mist inhaler or a personal ultrasonic atomizer device,comprising:

a liquid reservoir structure comprising a liquid chamber or cartridgeadapted to receive liquid to be atomized,

a sonication chamber in fluid communication with the liquid chamber orcartridge,

wherein said liquid to be received in the liquid chamber comprises57-70% (w/w) vegetable glycerin and 30-43% (w/w) propylene glycol, saidpropylene glycol including nicotine and flavorings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of components of the ultrasonic mist inhaleraccording to a first arrangement of means of ultrasonic vibrationsdisposed close to or at a bottom surface of a liquid chamber.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of components of the inhaler liquid reservoirstructure according to the first arrangement.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of components of the inhaler liquidreservoir structure according to FIG. 1 or 2 wherein means of ultrasonicvibrations are arranged according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an airflow member of the inhaler liquidreservoir structure according to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4B is a cross section view of the airflow member shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of a second arrangement of means ofultrasonic vibrations disposed close to or at a top surface of theliquid chamber.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a second arrangement of means ofultrasonic vibrations disposed close to or at the top surface of theliquid chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

As used herein, an element recited in the singular and preceded with theword “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of saidelements, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, thereferences to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intendedto be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodimentsthat also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitlystated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an elementor a plurality of elements having a particular property may includeadditional such elements not having that property.

The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic mist inhaler. Thedescription of the invention and accompanying figures will be directedto the electronic vaporizing inhaler embodiment; however, otherembodiments are envisioned, such as an inhaler for hookah, flavoredliquids, medicine, and herbal supplements. Additionally, the device canbe packaged to look like an object other than a cigarette. For instance,the device could resemble another smoking instrument, such as a pipe,water pipe, or slide, or the device could resemble another non-smokingrelated object.

Ultrasonic mist inhalers are either disposable or reusable. The term“reusable” as used herein implies that the energy storage device isrechargeable or replaceable or that the liquid is able to be replenishedeither through refilling or through replacement of the liquid reservoirstructure. Alternatively, in some embodiments reusable electronic deviceis both rechargeable and the liquid can be replenished. A disposableembodiment will be described first, followed by a description of areusable embodiment.

Conventional electronic vaporizing inhaler tend to rely on inducing hightemperatures of a metal component configured to heat a liquid in theinhaler, thus vaporizing the liquid that can be breathed in. The liquidtypically contains nicotine and flavorings blended into a solution ofpropylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which is vaporizedvia a heating component at high temperatures. Problems with conventionalinhaler may include the possibility of burning metal and subsequentbreathing in of the metal along with the burnt liquid. In addition, somemay not prefer the burnt smell or taste caused by the heated liquid.

In contrast, aspects of the present disclosure include an ultrasonicmist inhaler that atomizes the liquid through ultrasonic vibrations,which produces micro water bubbles in the liquid. When the bubbles comeinto contact with ambient air, water droplets of about 0.25 to 0.5microns spray into the air, thereby generating micro-droplets that canbe absorbed through breathing, similar to breathing in a mist.

No heating elements are involved, thereby leading to no burnt elementsand reducing second-hand smoke effects.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 illustrate a first arrangement of means of ultrasonicvibrations disposed close to or at a bottom surface of a liquid chamber.

FIG. 1 depicts a disposable ultrasonic mist inhaler embodiment 100 ofthe invention. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100has a cylindrical body with a relatively long length as compared to thediameter. In terms of shape and appearance, the ultrasonic mist inhaler100 is designed to mimic the look of a typical cigarette. For instance,the inhaler can feature a first portion 101 that primarily simulates thetobacco rod portion of a cigarette and a second portion 102 thatprimarily simulates a filter. In the disposable embodiment of theinvented device, the first portion and second portion are regions of asingle, but-separable device. The designation of a first portion 101 anda second portion 102 is used to conveniently differentiate thecomponents that are primarily contained in each portion.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic mist inhaler comprises amouthpiece 1, a liquid reservoir structure 2 and a casing 3. The firstportion 101 comprises the casing 3 and the second portion 102 comprisesthe mouthpiece 1 and the reservoir structure 2.

The first portion 101 contains the power supply energy.

An electrical storage device 30 powers the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100.The electrical storage device 30 can be a battery, including but notlimited to a lithium-ion, alkaline, zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride,or nickel-cadmium battery; a super capacitor; or a combination thereof.In the disposable embodiment, the electrical storage device 30 is notrechargeable, but, in the reusable embodiment, the electrical storagedevice 30 would be selected for its ability to recharge. In thedisposable embodiment, the electrical storage device 30 is primarilyselected to deliver a constant voltage over the life of the inhaler 100.Otherwise, the performance of the inhaler would degrade over time.Preferred electrical storage devices that are able to provide aconsistent voltage output over the life of the device includelithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries.

The electrical storage device 30 has a first end 30 a that generallycorresponds to a positive terminal and a second end 30 b that generallycorresponds to a negative terminal. The negative terminal is extendingto the first end 30 a.

Because the electrical storage device 30 is located in the first portion101 and the liquid reservoir structure 2 is located in the secondportion 102, the joint needs to provide electrical communication betweenthose components. In the present invention, electrical communication isestablished using at least an electrode or probe that is compressedtogether when the first portion 101 is tightened into the second portion102.

In order for this embodiment to be reusable, the electrical storagedevice 30 is rechargeable. The casing 3 contains a charging port 32.

The integrated circuit 4 has a proximal end 4 a and a distal end 4 b.The positive terminal at the first end 30 a of the electrical storagedevice 30 is in electrical communication with a positive lead of theflexible integrated circuit 4. The negative terminal at the second end30 b of the electrical storage device 30 is in electrical communicationwith a negative lead of the integrated circuit 4. The distal end 4 b ofthe integrated circuit 4 comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessoris configured to process data from a sensor, to control a light, todirect current flow to means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 in the secondportion 102, and to terminate current flow after a preprogrammed amountof time.

The sensor detects when the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 is in use (whenthe user draws on the inhaler) and activates the microprocessor. Thesensor can be selected to detect changes in pressure, air flow, orvibration. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor.In the digital embodiment, the sensor takes continuous readings which inturn requires the digital sensor to continuously draw current, but theamount is small and overall battery life would be negligibly affected.

Additionally, the integrated circuit 4 may comprise a H bridge,preferably formed by 4 MOSFETs to convert a direct current into analternate current at high frequency.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, illustrations of a liquid reservoirstructure 2 according to an embodiment are shown. The liquid reservoirstructure 2 comprises a liquid chamber 21 adapted to receive liquid tobe atomized and a sonication chamber 22 in fluid communication with theliquid chamber 21.

In the embodiment shown, the liquid reservoir structure 2 comprises aninhalation channel 20 providing an air passage from the sonicationchamber 22 toward the surroundings.

As an example of sensor position, the sensor may be located in thesonication chamber 22.

The inhalation channel 20 has a frustoconical element 20 a and an innercontainer 20 b.

As depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, further the inhalation channel 20 has anairflow member 27 for providing air flow from the surroundings to thesonication chamber 22.

The airflow member 27 has an airflow bridge 27 a and an airflow duct 27b made in one piece, the airflow bridge 27 a having two airway openings27 a′ forming a portion of the inhalation channel 20 and the airflowduct 27 b extending in the sonication chamber 22 from the airflow bridge27 a for providing the air flow from the surroundings to the sonicationchamber.

The airflow bridge 27 a cooperates with the frustoconical element 20 aat the second diameter 20 a 2.

The airflow bridge 27 a has two opposite peripheral openings 27 a″providing air flow to the airflow duct 27 b.

The cooperation with the airflow bridge 27 a and the frustoconicalelement 20 a is arranged so that the two opposite peripheral openings 27a″ cooperate with complementary openings 20 a″ in the frustoconicalelement 20 a.

The mouthpiece 1 and the frustoconical element 20 a are radially spacedand an airflow chamber 28 is arranged between them.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouthpiece 1 has two oppositeperipheral openings 1″.

The peripheral openings 27 a″, 20 a″, 1″ of the airflow bridge 27 a, thefrustoconical element 20 a and the mouthpiece 1 directly supply maximumair flow to the sonication chamber 22.

The frustoconical element 20 a includes an internal passage, aligned inthe similar direction as the inhalation channel 20, having a firstdiameter 20 a 1 less than that of a second diameter 20 a 2, such thatthe internal passage reduces in diameter over the frustoconical element20 a.

The frustoconical element 20 a is positioned in alignment with the meansof ultrasonic vibrations 5 and a capillary element 7, wherein the firstdiameter 20 a 1 is linked to an inner duct 11 of the mouthpiece 1 andthe second diameter 20 a 2 is linked to the inner container 20 b.

The inner container 20 b has an inner wall delimiting the sonicationchamber 22 and the liquid chamber 21.

The liquid reservoir structure 2 has an outer container 20 c delimitingthe outer wall of the liquid chamber 21.

The inner container 20 b and the outer container 20 c are respectivelythe inner wall and the outer wall of the liquid chamber 21.

The liquid reservoir structure 2 is arranged between the mouthpiece 1and the casing 3 and is detachable from the mouthpiece 1 and the casing3.

The liquid reservoir structure 2 and the mouthpiece 1 or the casing 3may include complimentary arrangements for engaging with one another;further such complimentary arrangements may include one of thefollowing: a bayonet type arrangement; a threaded engaged typearrangement; a magnetic arrangement; or a friction fit arrangement;wherein the liquid reservoir structure 2 includes a portion of thearrangement and the mouthpiece 1 or the casing 3 includes thecomplimentary portion of the arrangement.

In the reusable embodiment, the components are substantially the same.The differences in the reusable embodiment vis-a-vis the disposableembodiment are the accommodations made to replace the liquid reservoirstructure 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid chamber 21 has a top wall 23 and a bottomwall 25 closing the inner container 20 b and the outer container 20 c ofthe liquid chamber 21.

The capillary element 7 is arranged between a first section 20 b 1 and asecond section 20 b 2 of the inner container 20 b.

The capillary element 7 has a flat shape extending from the sonicationchamber to the liquid chamber.

As depicted in FIG. 2 or 3, the capillary element 7 comprises a centralportion 7 a in U-shape and a peripheral portion 7 b in L-shape.

The L-shape portion 7 b extends into the liquid chamber 21 on the innercontainer 20 b and along the bottom wall 25.

The U-shape portion 7 a is contained into the sonication chamber 21. TheU-shape portion 7 a on the inner container 20 b and along the bottomwall 25.

In the ultrasonic mist inhaler, the U-shape portion 7 a has an innerportion 7 a 1 and an outer portion 7 a 2, the inner portion 7 a 1 beingin surface contact with an atomization surface 50 of the means ofultrasonic vibrations 5 and the outer portion 7 a 2 being not in surfacecontact with the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5.

The bottom wall 25 of the liquid chamber 21 is a bottom plate 25 closingthe liquid chamber 21 and the sonication chamber 22. The bottom plate 25is sealed, thus preventing leakage of liquid from the sonication chamber22 to the casing 3.

The bottom plate 25 has an upper surface 25 a having a recess 25 b onwhich is inserted an elastic member 8. The means of ultrasonicvibrations 5 are supported by the elastic member 8. The elastic member 8is formed from an annular plate-shaped rubber having an inner hole 8′wherein a groove is designed for maintaining the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5.

The top wall 23 of the liquid chamber 21 is a cap 23 closing the liquidchamber 23.

The top wall 23 has a top surface 23 representing the maximum level ofthe liquid that the liquid chamber 21 may contain and the bottom surface25 representing the minimum level of the liquid in the liquid chamber21.

The top wall 23 is sealed, thus preventing leakage of liquid from theliquid chamber 21 to the mouthpiece 1.

The top wall 23 and the bottom wall 25 are fixed to the liquid reservoirstructure 2 by means of fixation such as screws, glue, or friction.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the elastic member 8 is in line contact with themeans of ultrasonic vibrations 5 and prevents contact between the meansof ultrasonic vibrations 5 and the inhaler walls, suppression ofvibrations of the liquid reservoir structure are more effectivelyprevented. Thus, fine particles of the liquid atomized by the atomizingmember can be sprayed farther.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the inner container 20 b has openings 20 b′between the first section 20 b 1 and the second section 20 b 2 fromwhich the capillary element 7 is extending from the sonication chamber21. The capillary element 7 absorbs liquid from the liquid chamber 21through the apertures 20 b′. The capillary element 7 is a wick. Thecapillary element 7 transports liquid to the sonication chamber 22 viacapillary action. Preferably the capillary element 7 is made of bamboofibers; however, cotton, paper, or other fiber strands could be used fora wick material.

In one embodiment of the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100, as can be seen inFIG. 3, the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 are disposed directly belowthe capillary element 7.

The means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 may be a transducer. For example,the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 may be a piezoelectric transducer,preferably designed in a circular plate-shape. The material of thepiezoelectric transducer is preferably in ceramic.

A variety of transducer materials can also be used for the means ofultrasonic vibrations 5.

The end of the airflow duct 27 b 1 faces the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5. The means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 are in electricalcommunication with electrical contactors 101 a, 101 b. It is noted that,the distal end 4 b of the integrated circuit 4 has an inner electrodeand an outer electrode. The inner electrode contacts the firstelectrical contact 101 a which is a spring contact probe, and the outerelectrode contacts the second electrical contact 101 b which is a sidepin. Via the integrated circuit 4, the first electrical contact 101 a isin electrical communication with the positive terminal of the electricalstorage device 30 by way of the microprocessor, while the secondelectrical contact 101 b is in electrical communication with thenegative terminal of the electrical storage device 30.

The electrical contacts 101 a, 101 b crossed the bottom plate 25. Thebottom plate 25 is designed to be received inside the perimeter wall 26of the liquid reservoir structure 2. The bottom plate 25 rests oncomplementary ridges, thereby creating the liquid chamber 21 andsonication chamber 22.

The inner container 20 b comprises a circular inner slot 20 d on which amechanical spring is applied.

By pushing the central portion 7 a 1 onto the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5, the mechanical spring 9 ensures a contact surface betweenthem.

The liquid reservoir structure 2 and the bottom plate 25 can be madeusing a variety of thermoplastic materials.

When the user draws on the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100, an air flow isdrawn from the peripheral openings 1″ and penetrates the airflow chamber28, passes the peripheral openings 27 a″ of the airflow bridge 27 a andthe frustoconical element 20 a and flows down into the sonicationchamber 22 via the airflow duct 27 b directly onto the capillary element7. At the same time, the liquid is drawn from the reservoir chamber 21by capillarity, through the plurality of apertures 20 b′, and into thecapillary element 7. The capillary element 7 brings the liquid intocontact with the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 of the inhaler 100.The user's draw also causes the pressure sensor to activate theintegrated circuit 4, which directs current to the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5. Thus, when the user draws on the mouthpiece 1 of theinhaler 100, two actions happen at the same time. Firstly, the sensoractivates the integrated circuit 4, which triggers the means ofultrasonic vibrations 5 to begin vibrating. Secondly, the draw reducesthe pressure outside the reservoir chamber 21 such that flow of theliquid through the apertures 20 b′ begins, which saturates the capillaryelement 7. The capillary element 7 transports the liquid to the means ofultrasonic vibrations 5, which causes bubbles to form in a capillarychannel by the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 and mist the liquid.Then, the mist liquid is drawn by the user.

The ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 of the present disclosures is a morepowerful version of current portable medical nebulizers, in the shapeand size of current e-cigarettes and with a particular structure foreffective vaporization. It is a healthier alternative to cigarettes andcurrent e-cigarettes products.

The ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 of the present disclosures hasparticular applicability for those who use electronic inhalers as ameans to quit smoking and reduce their nicotine dependency. Theultrasonic mist inhaler 100 provides a way to gradually taper the doseof nicotine.

FIG. 5 illustrate a second arrangement of means of ultrasonic vibrationsdisposed close to or at a top surface of the liquid chamber.

The mouthpiece 1 is extending down to the bottom end of the innercontainer 20 b. While the liquid chamber 21 is delimited by the outercontainer 20 c and an inner peripheral container 20 e joined by a bottomwall 25. The liquid chamber is closed by a top wall 23.

The top wall 23 has the top surface 23 representing the maximum level ofthe liquid that the liquid chamber 21 may contain and the bottom surface25 representing the minimum level of the liquid in the liquid chamber21. The top wall 23 is sealed, thus preventing leakage of liquid fromthe liquid chamber 21 to the mouthpiece 1.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 has a flatshape having an atomization surface 50 parallel to the top surface 23and disposed close to or at the top surface 23.

The top wall 23 is fixed to the liquid reservoir structure 2 by means offixation such as screws or glue.

Contrary to the first arrangement, the capillary element 7 is not shownto make the illustrated features more clear.

Of course, the capillary element 7 may have the same configuration thatthe first arrangement. In this second arrangement, the L-shape isextending down to the bottom surface 25.

FIG. 6 illustrate a second arrangement of means of ultrasonic vibrationsdisposed close to or at a top surface of the liquid chamber.

In the second arrangement, the liquid reservoir structure 2 may comprisean inner container 200 c and an outer container 200 b wherein the innercontainer 200 c is surrounded by the outer container 200 b, the innercontainer 200 c forms the liquid chamber 21.

The capillary element 7 is wrapped around the circular shape of themeans of ultrasonic vibrations 5.

Further, the means of ultrasonic vibrations 5 is supported by an elasticmember 8 formed from an annular plate-shaped rubber.

The elastic member 8 has an inner hole wherein a groove 80 is designedfor maintaining the capillary element 7 and the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5.

The inner container 200 c has a flat opening into which the elasticmember 8 is introduced at least partly, the elastic member 8 having aradial groove 80 wherein the capillary element 7 passes and penetratesthe liquid chamber.

The inner container 200 c is sealed with the elastic member 8, forexample, by glue or mastic disposed around the peripheral of the flatopening.

In this third arrangement, the means of electrical contacts rise throughelectrical contact holes 200 b 1 and 200 b 2 on either side of innercontainer 200 c and connect with the rear of the means of ultrasonicvibrations 5.

Other embodiments of the invented ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 are easilyenvisioned, including medicinal delivery devices.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments may be used in combination with each other. In addition,many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation ormaterial to the teachings of the invention without departing from itsscope.

1. An ultrasonic mist inhaler, comprising: a liquid reservoir structurecomprising a liquid chamber adapted to receive liquid to be atomized,the liquid chamber comprising a top surface representing the maximumlevel of the liquid chamber and the bottom surface representing theminimum level of the liquid chamber, a sonication chamber in fluidcommunication with the liquid chamber, the sonication chamber comprisingmeans of ultrasonic vibrations and a capillary element extending betweenthe sonication chamber and the liquid chamber, wherein the means ofultrasonic vibrations and the liquid chamber are arranged according toone of the following configurations: the means of ultrasonic vibrationsare disposed close to or at the bottom surface of the liquid chamber,the means of ultrasonic vibrations are disposed close to or at the topsurface of the liquid chamber.
 2. The ultrasonic mist inhaler accordingclaim 1, wherein in the arrangement close to or at the top surface, themeans of ultrasonic vibrations have at least an atomization surfaceparallel to the top surface.
 3. The ultrasonic mist inhaler according toclaim 1, wherein in the arrangement close to or at the top surface, themeans of ultrasonic vibrations have at least an atomization surfaceperpendicular to the top surface.
 4. The ultrasonic mist inhaleraccording claim 3, wherein the liquid reservoir structure comprises aninner container and an outer container wherein the inner container issurrounded by the outer container, the inner container forms the liquidreservoir.
 5. The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim 3, whereinthe capillary element is wrapped around the means of ultrasonicvibrations.
 6. The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim 3, whereinthe means of ultrasonic vibrations is supported by an elastic member. 7.The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the elasticmember is formed from an annular plate-shaped rubber.
 8. The ultrasonicmist inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member has aninner hole wherein a groove is designed for maintaining the means ofultrasonic vibrations.
 9. The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim3, wherein the inner container has an opening into which the elasticmember is introduced at least partly, the elastic member having a radialgroove wherein the capillary element passes and penetrate the liquidchamber.
 10. The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim 3, whereinthe elastic member is inserted into the opening by tight adjustment. 11.The ultrasonic mist inhaler according to claim 1, wherein said liquid tobe received in the liquid chamber comprises 57-70% (w/w) vegetableglycerin and 30-43% (w/w) propylene glycol, said propylene glycolincluding nicotine and flavorings.